New York City’s first black mayor says Gov. David Paterson should be more careful when discussing racial issues.

On Friday, Paterson said the media has exploited stereotypes in coverage of him, President Barack Obama and Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick. Paterson disputed reports that he accused media outlets of racism. But he said coverage of black officials hasn’t been fair.

Former mayor David Dinkins says he doesn’t think Paterson believes the media is “picking on him because he is black.”

Nonetheless, he tells The New York Times that Paterson “should get off the racist thing.”

Adds Dinkins: “Right or wrong, it’s a fight you sure can’t win.”

Paterson’s office did not immediately respond to a request for comment Tuesday.